The jobs Europe can't fill, in numbers
Every year, Europe's public employment services report which occupations they cannot fill. The latest picture is clear: shortages are widespread and concentrated in a familiar set of roles.
The headline
The EURES report on labour shortages and surpluses, with data from 31 European countries, found that all of them report shortage occupations. Malta, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Italy and Romania reported the largest numbers.
The roles that keep coming up
- Healthcare professionals, especially nurses
- Engineering professionals
- ICT professionals
- Welders
- Cooks
- Electricians
- Heavy truck and bus drivers, and mobile plant operators
Surpluses exist too
Some occupations are in surplus in many countries, including clerical support and some design-related roles. For jobseekers, this matters: applying abroad for an occupation in surplus is much harder than for one in shortage.
If you are in India
- Healthcare, engineering, IT and skilled trades are where routes are opening fastest.
- Language remains the main barrier for healthcare and trades.
- Shortage lists change; check the national list of your target country every year.
If you are an employer
International recruitment is no longer niche. Employers who plan for recognition, language and integration will hire faster than those who treat it as a one-off.
Read next
- Jobs Europe can't fillNurses, engineers, IT, welders, cooks, electricians and drivers.
- Work in EuropeCountry guides, visa routes, qualification recognition and practical checklists for Indian professionals considering a career in Europe.
- SectorsHospitality, food, tech, healthcare, engineering, trades, logistics and agri-food: where demand is strongest in Europe and India.
